IT is heartening to learn that President Mamnoon Hussain has decided to award tamgha -i- shujaat to the martyrs of the Army Public School, Peshawar, including the staff and the principal of the school.

Notwithstanding the courage, bravery and steadfastness of the schoolchildren and the staff, the principal’s courage, leadership and her refusal to leave the schoolchildren on their own to save her life is a great example of sacrifice.

She demonstrated her love for her students, for the profession and her commitment to remain firm as a strong pillar against the terrorists until her last breath, as a great citizen who makes the people of Pakistan proud of her. She deserves a higher civil award to tell the world that Pakistani women are strong, courageous and exemplary leaders.

Moreover, Dec 16 may be declared Yaum-i-Shuhda-i-Peshawar nationally. The government may take it to international forums, such as the UN, to declare it as an international day called ‘Down with terrorism’ or as a day of ‘Solidarity against terrorism’.

Dr Amin Rehmani

Karachi

Published in Dawn January 28th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play